The Wonders of Australia with New Zealand add-on

The Wonders of Australia with New Zealand add-on

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The Wonders of Australia with New Zealand add-on

48 Days Starting in Perth WA, Australia and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand

Visiting: Perth, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Warrnambool, Melbourne, Sydney, Uluru, Alice Springs, Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Katherine, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Brisbane, Auckland, Paihia, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, Omarama

Tour operator:

Travelsphere

Tour code:

LAWANZ

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

15 - 35

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Make the most of the journey by visiting both Australia and New Zealand. First, visit Australia where this epic tour will introduce you to Australia's iconic cities, most famous landmarks and diverse natural wonders.

Then travel across for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to New Zealand which features the best of both the North and South Islands.

Highlights

  • Tour of Perth

  • Discover Adelaide

  • Visit Kangaroo Island

  • Journey along the Great Ocean Road

  • Discover Melbourne

  • Sydney’s iconic sights

  • Visit Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunset and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine, then visit again at sunrise

  • See the Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

  • Authentic Aussie bush barbecue

  • Tour of Alice Springs

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Itinerary

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Day 1 : Days 1 & 2 Uk - Perth

Location: Perth

Accommodation: Overnight flight

Accommodation Name: Rendevouz Hotel Perth Central

You’ll be the envy of all your friends as you make your way to the airport and begin your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Australia. After checking in and making your way through security, why not relax with a drink before boarding your flight to Perth.

Day 3 Perth

Location: Perth

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Rendevouz Hotel Perth Central

After arriving in Perth on day 2, we'll drive you to your hotel where you’ll have time to relax and freshen up after the journey. Perth is situated on Australia’s western coast on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Exciting and cosmopolitan, on day 3, we’ll discover what makes the city unique on a half-day sightseeing tour. We’ll stroll through Kings Park, taking in fabulous views from its treetop walkway, and see landmarks including the iconic Bell Tower and Elizabeth Quay, with its waterfront bars and restaurants. Finally, we’ll head to the picture-perfect Cottesloe Beach, known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear water.

Day 4 Perth - At Leisure

Location: Perth

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Rendevouz Hotel Perth Central

Perth has so much to offer and after yesterday’s tour, you can discover its delights just as you wish today. It's one of the world's most envied locations in which to live, with lush parks, excellent restaurants, the stunning Swan River and a lovely warm climate. You could visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia or browse the shops in the open-air Hay Street Mall.
As an alternative, you might choose to join an optional excursion to Rottnest Island, which sits about 12 miles off the coast and is accessible by ferry. It's home to the friendly quokka, a small wallaby-like marsupial, and beautiful white-sand beaches. After touring the island by bus, you’ll enjoy lunch and have some free time before we return to the city.

Day 5 Perth - At Leisure

Location: Perth

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Rendevouz Hotel Perth Central

Today has been left free so you can make further discoveries in Perth at your own pace. From walking trails to botanical gardens, there's loads to keep you occupied. Alternatively, why not join an optional tour of the lively port city of Freemantle, which you'll reach via a cruise on the Swan River. Rich in history, Freemantle is filled with handsome 19th-century buildings and after a tour, you’ll have free time to explore at leisure. Coffee lovers should head to Cappuccino Strip, lined with open-air coffee shops, pubs and restaurants. Other highlights include the fishing boat harbour and a host of interesting museums. We'll head back to the hotel by coach.

Day 6 Perth - Adelaide

Location: Adelaide

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Vibe Hotel

We’ll fly to our next destination, Adelaide, today. When we arrive, an orientation tour will show you the highlights of the city before we drive to our hotel. It’s in an ideal position if you want to head out by yourselves to explore. The city’s landmarks and an array of bars and restaurants are all just a short stroll away.

Day 7 Adelaide - Kangaroo Island

Location: Kangaroo Island

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, BL

There's an early start today, as we head to Cape Jervis and take a ferry over to Kangaroo Island. Home to many native wildlife species, more than a third of this nature-lovers paradise is protected land. As well as kangaroos and wallabies, look out for sea lions basking on the sandy beaches and koalas dozing in the branches of eucalyptus trees. The island is also home to more than 260 species of birds and around 50 plant species that are found nowhere else on Earth. Its shores play host to many types of whales as well as dolphins, so keep your fingers crossed for a sighting.
When we arrive on the island, we’ll learn about the honey produced by the island’s Ligurian bees and visit a eucalyptus oil distillery. We’ll also spend time at Birds of Prey conservation centre and get up close to wild seals during a guided beach walk at Seal Bay Conservation Park. We’ll then stay on the island overnight in a hotel surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

Day 8 Kangaroo Island

Location: Adelaide

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Vibe Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, BL

Your discoveries of Kangaroo Island continue today with a visit to Flinders Chase National Park. Here you'll see Admirals Arch - a beautiful arch of rock which has been shaped by the Southern Ocean - and the sculptured granite boulders known as Remarkable Rocks. You'll also visit Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, which boasts a notable population of koalas, and Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, home to many different species. Later, we'll travel back to Adelaide.

Day 9 Adelaide - Warrnambool

Location: Warrnambool

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mid City Motel Warrnambool

You're going to travel towards the Great Ocean Road today as you head to Warrnambool in Victoria. Along the way, we’ll make stops to explore picturesque waterfront towns and marvel at the scenery, so be sure to have your camera handy.

Day 10 Warrnambool - Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

Today en route to Melbourne, you'll take in the sights from of the Great Ocean Road - quite simply one of the most spectacular coastal routes in the world. Highlights include the Twelve Apostles, although only eight of these towering limestone stacks remain, Loch Ard Gorge and many other dramatic rock formations.

Day 11 Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

Enjoy a lazy morning, before setting off on a tour of Melbourne. Highlights include Federation Square, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Flinders Street Station and the Grand Prix Circuit that circles Albert Park Lake. Another stop is Fitzroy Gardens, which features pathways lined with towering elms, colourful floral displays and the Fairies' Tree sculpture - a centuries-old tree stump featuring delightful carvings.

Day 12 Melbourne - At Leisure

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

After getting to know Melbourne on yesterday’s tour, you can slow the pace a little and spend the day exploring at your own pace. You could perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the city’s Royal Botanic Gardens or wander through the laneways admiring colourful street art and browsing hidden boutiques.
You might be tempted to join an optional visit to Phillip Island to see the remarkable penguin parade. At sunset, after a hard day's fishing, hundreds of these delightful creatures - the world's smallest penguin - appear from out of the ocean and waddle their way across the beach to their sand dune burrows. You can take in this marvellous spectacle from special viewing platforms.

Day 13 Melbourne - Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Sydney City Centre

We're flying to Sydney this morning, where you'll stay for the next three nights. When we arrive, a coach will be waiting to take us on an afternoon sightseeing tour. Tick off the gorgeous white sands of Bondi Beach and Hyde Park, which is home to numerous monuments including the ANZAC Memorial. You'll also visit Darling Harbour, which hosts a dazzling array of attractions from bars and bistros to an aquarium and a zoo, as well as Mrs Macquarie's Chair. This huge sandstone rock was hand-carved by convicts into the shape of a bench for Governor Macquarie's wife, Elizabeth, in 1810. Why not sit for a while and take in the views from this wonderful vantage point.
After checking in to the hotel, you are free to do as you please this evening. If you would like to head out for dinner, your Holiday Director will be pleased to provide a recommendation.

Day 14 Sydney - At Leisure

Location: Sydney

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Sydney City Centre

With a full day at leisure, you can discover Sydney at your own pace. Perhaps spend time wandering through Centennial Park or admiring fabulous views of the harbour from the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden.
Alternatively, for a different perspective and a truly unforgettable experience, why not join our optional excursion and take in panoramic, 360-degree views of the harbour on a guided Sydney Harbour Bridge climb.
Another optional excursion gives you the chance to step beneath the sails and enjoy a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. You'll learn about the history of the building, uncover stories about artists and the shows performed here and have an opportunity to visit areas usually off-limits to the general public.

Day 15 Sydney - At Leisure

Location: Sydney

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Sydney City Centre

You have another day to explore Sydney independently. There are plenty of magnificent museums and art galleries to discover or maybe you’ll take to the water and admire the sights on a Sydney Harbour cruise.
If you want to join an organised trip, why not come with us on a thrilling optional excursion. You'll head through the Blue Mountains, past the Three Sisters rock formation and along Jamieson Valley - Australia's answer to the Grand Canyon. Then, you'll visit Scenic World, where you can opt to take a journey on the world's steepest incline railway into ancient rainforest or enjoy a scenic cable-car ride over the valley.

Day 16 Sydney - Uluru

Location: Uluru

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Desert Gardens Hotel

This morning you’ll fly to Uluru, or Ayers Rock. This gigantic sandstone monolith, which is two miles long, nearly 350 metres high and measures almost six miles around the base, is in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. One of the most impressive landmarks in Australia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sacred place in Aboriginal culture and features many caves and ancient rock paintings. It's an incredible sight at any time of the day, but at sunrise and sunset, it changes colour dramatically with the light. After time to settle in at the hotel, your sunset visit to Uluru this evening includes a glass of sparkling wine.
We also offer an optional visit to the Field of Light, a magical art installation covering an area larger than seven football fields. When you arrive in this remote part of the desert, what you’ll see is more than 50,000 lights illuminating the landscape in shades of violet, blue and white.

Day 17 Uluru - Alice Springs

Location: Alice Springs

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Double Tree by Hilton Alice Springs

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD

You have an early start today, but it's worth it as you’re going to visit Uluru once again, this time at sunrise. You can also tour the base of the rock and view Aboriginal rock paintings in the caves here. After this, we'll head to the mysterious Kata Tjuta, 36 domed red-rock formations also known as The Olgas. Located to the west of Uluru, it’s thought that they were once one huge piece of rock like Uluru, but over millions of years have been shaped by the forces of nature.
We then continue by road to Alice Springs, where you'll enjoy an authentic bush barbecue in the Australian Outback this evening. The fun starts at sunset as we take to the road to try to spot kangaroos. Before you eat you can try your hand at boomerang throwing, and afterwards you can indulge in a spot of stargazing.

Day 18 Alice Springs

Location: Alice Springs

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Double Tree by Hilton Alice Springs

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

This morning, head off on a fascinating tour that introduces you to the Flying Doctor Base and the old Telegraph Station, the original site of the first European settlement in central Australia, which is now a museum. You will also visit the famous School of the Air. If you want to get out and about in the great outdoors, join an optional excursion to the spectacular Western MacDonnell Mountain Ranges.

Day 19 Alice Springs - Darwin

Location: Darwin

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Travelodge Resort Darwin

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

Today we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight to Darwin. 

Day 20 Darwin - Kakadu National Park

Location: Kakadu National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

Your destination today is Kakadu National Park, where you'll discover lush rainforest, scenic rivers and a diverse range of wildlife. We’ll make a stop at the Mamukala Wetlands, a haven for birds, and then head to the Bowali Visitor Centre, where you’ll learn more about Kakadu. You’ll discover that the park is famous for its fascinating Aboriginal rock art and before we make our way to our hotel, you've the chance to walk up Ubirr Rock. Here you'll see some of the most outstanding examples of rock art in the world and take in stunning views of the Nadab floodplain.

Day 21 Kakadu National Park - Katherine

Location: Katherine

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Contour Hotel Katherine

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

A journey by road this morning takes us to Katherine via the stunning Nourlangie Rock, where you can set off on a walk to see more Aboriginal rock art. The highlight of our day comes in the form of a thrilling cruise on the famous Yellow Water Lagoon. Look for many species of birds, from whistling ducks to eagles, and keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles in their natural habitat and buffalo on the floodplains.

Day 22 Katherine - Darwin

Location: Darwin

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Travelodge Resort Darwin

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

After breakfast, we’re going to take a tranquil cruise through the Katherine Gorge. As you sail through the picturesque scenery, with limestone cliffs on either side, expert guides will explain the history and geology of the area and tell you all about the flora and fauna you're likely to see.
Later, we’ll make our way back to Darwin.

Day 23 Darwin - Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

Today you’ll fly to Cairns, your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef!

Day 24 Great Barrier Reef

Location: Great Barrier Reef

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Meals Included: Lunch, L

Today you are going to board a catamaran and take a trip to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Marine life comes incredibly close, and you can experience the beauty of the reef without getting wet from the comfort of a semi-submersible or an underwater observatory. Look out for dazzling displays of coral, brightly coloured Nemo-like clownfish, turtles and so much more! If you are feeling a little more adventurous, you can even go snorkelling in this amazing underwater world as all the equipment will be supplied. Lunch is also included today.

Day 25 Cairns - At Leisure

Location: Cairns

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

After so much excitement, today has been left free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel. Sit back with a good book or sip a cocktail in the bar – the choice is all yours.
Alternatively, if you want to see more, join us for a ride on the Kuranda Railway and Skyrail. We’ll enjoy views of mountains, tropical rainforest and the spectacular Barron Falls as the train makes its way to the village of Kuranda. Here you’ll have free time to explore what’s on offer and grab a coffee or bit to eat if you wish. We’ll then board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a fabulous adventure that sees us gliding above and through the rainforest.

Day 26 Cairns - At Leisure

Location: Cairns

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

You can spend today doing just as you wish. Your hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the city, so maybe take a stroll along the bustling Esplanade or head to the gorgeous Cairns Botanic Gardens.
If you’d prefer to join an organised tour, we offer an optional trip to the Daintree Tropical Rainforest, home to a stunning array of flora and fauna. You’ll learn about this tropical ecosystem from an expert guide as we cruise the Daintree River in search of crocodiles. Then, it’s time for lunch at the Daintree Tea House and your excursion ends with some free time to explore the village of Daintree.

Day 27 Cairns - Brisbane

Location: Brisbane

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Royal on the Park Brisbane

You’ll fly from Cairns to Brisbane today and when we arrive, you are free to head out and explore by yourselves. The capital of the Sunshine State, Brisbane is a modern, bustling metropolis that sits on the banks of the Brisbane River. There is no shortage of things to see and do here including a vast array of restaurants, cafés and shops to explore. Perhaps head to Howard Smith Wharves for dazzling night-time views of Story Bridge and the city skyline or enjoy a drink at one of the city's many rooftop bars.

Day 28 Brisbane - At Leisure

Location: Brisbane

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Royal on the Park Brisbane

Before flying to New Zealand tomorrow, you’ve a free day to spend at leisure. A great way to explore Brisbane is by CityCat, fast-paced ferries that travel along the river and call at various stops along the way. South Bank, Brisbane’s cultural heart, is well worth a visit. Here, you'll find Australia’s largest gallery of modern art and Streets Beach, the country’s only man-made beach located within a city!
Alternatively, why not join an optional excursion to North Stradbroke Island. Fondly known as Straddie by the locals, it is the world's second-largest sand island and a fabulous place to relax and soak up the spectacular natural scenery. We’ll spend some time at Brown Lake, a popular spot for swimming, and try to spot dolphins, turtles and manta rays at Point Lookout’s North Gorge. Lunch will be an Aussie-style barbecue on Flinders Beach and later we’ll head to Amity Point, keeping an eye out for the resident Koalas.

Day 29 Brisbane - Auckland

Location: Auckland

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Auckland

Today, we'll transfer you to the airport today for your flight to Auckland. You'll stay in Auckland for the next two nights and the rest of the day is yours to do as you please.

Day 30 Auckland

Location: Auckland

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Auckland

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

The vibrant city of Auckland - the largest in New Zealand - is situated on the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf. Feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep, this morning we’re going to discover the city on a sightseeing tour. We’ll take in fabulous views of the harbour and see highlights including the imposing War Memorial, St Patrick's Cathedral and the Auckland High Court, which is allegedly modelled on England’s Warwick Castle.
Once you have your bearings, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. You could head up to the observation deck of the Sky Tower for spectacular views of the city from above. Alternatively, if you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, why not stroll through beautiful Albert Park or step inside Auckland Art Gallery.

Day 31 Auckland - Paihia

Location: Paihia

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kingsgate Hotel Paihia

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

There's a scenic treat in store today as we travel along the beautiful Hibiscus Coast to Paihia, in the Bay of Islands. As the name suggests, this forest-covered region is home to more than one hundred islands and is scattered with idyllic paradise-like beaches.
En route, we'll visit the Treaty House of Waitangi, the country’s first British residency. Here you will learn about the history of the 1840 agreement with the Maoris that formalised New Zealand’s status as a British colony.

Day 32 Paihia - At Leisure

Location: Paihia

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kingsgate Hotel Paihia

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

You can choose how you spend today. If you want some time to yourselves, perhaps take a stroll along the Wharf and have lunch overlooking the water or relax on a nearby beach.
Alternatively, if you’d like to join an organised excursion we offer an optional trip to Cape Reinga, at the very top of North Island. To reach this vast, untouched region, you’ll journey along the sandy shore of Ninety Mile Beach and negotiate the Te Paki Quick Sand Stream, travelling beside towering dunes. When we arrive in Cape Reinga, you’ll visit a lighthouse and take in exceptional views of the Pacific Ocean meeting the Tasman Sea, don’t forget your camera!

Day 33 Paihia - At Leisure

Location: Paihia

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kingsgate Hotel Paihia

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

You’ve another full day at leisure to relax in beautiful Paihia or you can explore more of the stunning Bay of Islands on an optional cruise. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of marine life, including dolphins and seals as we sail past islands and secluded beaches to the Cape Brett Peninsula. Here, if conditions are right, we’ll sail through the Hole in the Rock, a narrow arch, carved by the forces of nature before enjoying some free time on one of the islands.

Day 34 Paihia - Rotorua

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

New Zealand’s North Island was shaped by volcanic activity and evidence of this remains in the thermal springs surrounding Rotorua. We’re going to head here today on a journey that takes us through the Waikato farming region.
Later, we offer an optional float plane or helicopter flight to Mount Tarawera. As you fly over this volcanic peak and its surrounding scenery, you’ll have a birds-eye view of sparkling crater lakes and the rugged barren landscape.

Day 35 Rotorua

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD

Today’s tour takes you to Te Puia Thermal Reserve, an incredible geothermal park, where a Local Guide will take us to see the bubbling mud, pools of boiling water and dramatic spouting geysers. There will also be an opportunity to see craftsmen at work in the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.
Later, you could join a tour of Hobbiton™, the amazing set created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. As you step into Middle-earth™, you’ll see brightly painted Hobbit Hole™ doors, the interior of a Hobbit dwelling and the iconic Green Dragon™ Inn.
Tonight, we are going to immerse ourselves in Maori culture with a visit to Te Pa Tu. In this spectacular forest setting, we’ll learn about the history and traditions of New Zealand’s indigenous people. We’ll experience ceremonial rituals and watch an authentic performance of haka and song before enjoying a meal created by a Maori chef.

Day 36 Rotorua - Wellington

Location: Wellington

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

We’re driving to Wellington, the country’s capital today. Our journey takes us through the Wairakei Thermal Valley, where we’ll admire the turbulent Huka Falls, pass forested slopes and take in breathtaking views of Lake Taupo. When we arrive in Wellington, we’ll get our bearings on a short tour and see highlights including the harbour and Mount Victoria.

Day 37 Wellington

Location: Wellington

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

After breakfast, we’ll explore Wellington in more detail on a walking tour. There is so much to see here, from an array of museums and galleries to historic architecture and fabulous shopping. We’ll explore the lively waterfront area and take a trip on the historic Wellington Cable Car for fabulous views over the city. At the top, there will be time to visit the delightful Wellington Botanic Garden, a 64-acre oasis of calm and tranquillity.
The rest of the day is yours to explore more of Wellington at leisure. Perhaps head to the National Museum of New Zealand and discover the diverse array of exhibits exploring everything from the country’s wildlife to its role in the Gallipoli campaign.

Wellington is a city brimming with coffee shops, bars and award-winning restaurants so you will be spoilt for choice if you want to head out this evening.

Day 38 Wellington - Christchurch

Location: Christchurch

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Rydges Latimer Square

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

Today we're heading to South Island and will cross the Cook Strait by ferry. A scenic journey of around three and half hours, we’ll travel past dramatic cliffs and rugged landscapes, and navigate fjord-like channels on our way to Picton. After disembarking the ferry, we’ll drive to Christchurch for an overnight stay.

Day 39 Tranzalpine Train

Location: Franz Josef Glacier

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

You have a spectacular journey ahead as you board the TranzAlpine train and head into the Southern Alps, a mountain range that spans almost the entire length of South Island. The journey takes us through narrow gorges and past towering snow-capped peaks, so be sure to have your camera at the ready. When we leave the train in the village of Arthurs Pass, we’ll continue our journey by coach to the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier regions. Here, vast valleys of ice, hundreds of metres deep, flow down the hillside towards the riverbed. For the ultimate adventure, if the weather conditions are right, this afternoon you can take in sensational views of the glaciers on an optional helicopter flight.

Day 40 Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

The road through the Westland National Park has to be one of the most scenic ever built and as we drive along it today, we’ll make stops to take in the wonderful views. We’re heading to Queenstown, New Zealand's capital of adventure, so if you're looking for an adrenaline rush, you've come to the right place! Why not start by joining an optional ride on the Kawarau Jet boat. On this thrilling excursion, you will travel at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour and make 360-degree spins in the shallow waters of the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers.

Day 41 Queenstown - At Leisure

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

Today has been left free so you can spend some time at leisure and discover Queenstown at your own pace. You could take the Skyline Queenstown gondola to the summit of Bob’s Peak for incredible views of the town and Lake Wakatipu or stroll through the manicured Queenstown Gardens.
If you're feeling adventurous, we have another optional action-packed excursion for you to join. Board a jet boat for an exhilarating ride along the Dart River.
This evening, you can enjoy a more relaxing experience, with an optional steamboat cruise on Lake Wakatipu and dinner in a restaurant at the foot of Walter Peak.

Day 42 Milford Sound

Location: Te Anau

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, BL

Today is the day you visit one of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand – Milford Sound. Located deep within Fiordland National Park, this inky-blue expanse of water is surrounded by forest-covered hills, waterfalls and dramatic mountain peaks. The area is also home to an abundant array of wildlife including dolphins, seals and penguins – so remember to keep your eyes peeled. If the weather conditions are good, we'll take in the fjord's majestic beauty on a cruise.

Day 43 Te Anau - Dunedin

Location: Dunedin

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Victoria Hotel Dunedin

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

This morning you are going to visit the incredible Glow Worm Caves. After sailing across Lake Te Anau, you will explore this fascinating labyrinth of limestone caverns, rocks and whirlpools on foot. The grotto lit by thousands of glittering glow worms, is a mesmerising and unforgettable sight.
Next, we make our way to Dunedin, the city that takes its name from the Gaelic version of Edinburgh.

Day 44 Dunedin - At Leisure

Location: Dunedin

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Victoria Hotel Dunedin

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

You can spend your time exploring at leisure today. Admire the stunning architecture of Dunedin Railway Station, step back in time to the early 20th century at Olveston Historic Home or just enjoy the town's vibrant shops and restaurants.
There is also the chance to join an optional trip to the Royal Albatross Centre on the Otago Peninsula. This is the world's only mainland breeding colony of Northern Albatross, and during your visit, you'll learn more about them, watch a short film and visit the observatory to hopefully see them nesting.

Day 45 Dunedin - Omarama

Location: Omarama

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Heritage Gateway Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

As we travel northwards to Omarama, we'll make a stop at the Moeraki Beach Boulders. These huge spherical rocks are scattered along the sand and are shrouded in Maori legend. The largest boulders are estimated to have taken around four million years to reach their current size. Some weigh several tonnes and the largest measure more than two metres in width. Our route then follows the Waitiki River inland.

Day 46 Omarama - Christchurch

Location: Christchurch

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Rydges Latimer Square

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

We're bound for the Mount Cook region this morning. On the way, we'll make a stop at Lake Tekapo, a picturesque, turquoise-coloured body of water with the Southern Alps as a backdrop. We'll then head over Burkes Pass, a mountain passageway, and continue across the Canterbury plains. This vast patchwork of agricultural land nestled between the mountains and the sea produces more than 80% of the country's grains, crops and seeds.
Mount Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand, towering to more than 3,700 metres. If weather conditions are favourable you might be tempted to view it from above on an optional scenic flight.
Our journey ends as we arrive back in Christchurch and take a short tour of its highlights. We’ll see the pyramid-shaped Transitional Church, the beautiful Botanic Gardens and the Sign of the Takahe, a historic building with views across the city.

Day 47 Christchurch - Uk

Location: Christchurch

Accommodation: Overnight flight

Meals Included: Breakfast

You’re free to make the most of your final few hours in New Zealand before we drive you to the airport for your flight home.

Day 48 Uk

Location: Christchurch

You'll arrive back in the UK today.

What's Included

  • Return flights from London

  • 45 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels plus 2 nights in flight

  • 34 meals: 28 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinner and welcome drink

  • Travelsphere Holiday Director

  • Overseas transfers and other transportation

What's Not Included

Check out our Q&As

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Travelsphere’s Flexibility Promise has been created to give you complete peace of mind and make you feel confident when booking your holiday with us. We have also been awarded the WTTC safe travels stamp which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Travelsphere has been operating escorted touring holidays for 60 years

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Travelsphere, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    You will receive Holiday conformation upon booking, and then several documents detailing any adddiotnal information and the optional excursions that you can book before you travel. The final information covering your flights, hotels and itinerary will be sent to you around 14 days before your departure date.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    No, we do not offer single share options

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    No, Im afraid not

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If we can accomadate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - and make sure you have your booking number to hand.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Our Travelsphere Cares programmes, in partnership with the Planeterra Foundation, support local projects and social enterprises by helping them earn an income from tourism. We simply donate a portion of the funds from our tours, so it’s great to know that when you travel with us you are helping to change lives and turn travel into real impact.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Like minded travellers

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    All of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.

Reviews of this operator

KARL WILSON (Google Reviewer)  

A great company and we'll...

28-Mar-2024

A great company and we'll definitely be using them again. Our trip to south America was fantastic.

Alison Packer (Google Reviewer)  

Great escorted holiday to Austria. Well...

05-Aug-2019

Great escorted holiday to Austria. Well looked after by Paul tour leader and Ollie coach driver and the staff at the hotel. Austria is beautiful the lakes are stunning met some great people Well lead tours interesting and not to long Great food and accommodation very Austrian lovely to see the traditional side of Austria good value holiday if you prefer a guide to all the attraction door to door.

Sue Williams  

enjoyable trip to Bulgaria

07-Jun-2021

We had a really enjoyable trip to Bulgaria , all the excursions and hotels were very good . Our Tour Director and Tour Guide were excellent and helped to make the holiday extra special. It is the first time that I have ever used Travelsphere but would not hesitate using them again in the future or to recommend them to friends or family .

Charles  

Best travel company I have ever booked with!

03-Aug-2021

As a previous traveller with Travelsphere,I know that customer care and excellent tours are their stock in trade.When the Covid 19 Vaccination scheme was announced in November 2020 I booked Discover New Zealand with a cook island add on,all my internet and telephone calls were top rate ,my questions answered and my monies safe.As the pandemic changed I had to cancel the cook Island add on,again all handled in a prompt,efficient and personable way.Now due to the Covid Restrictions in New Zealand,my your has been cancelled and a full refund given.Excellent customer service from a well established and careing company.Thank you to all at Travelsphere.I am now planning a double tour to Australia and New Zealand when circumstances allow and have the Travelsphere brochure on order !

Jennifer Zammit (Google Reviewer)  

Can't fault them always polite...

15-Dec-2019

Can't fault them always polite friendly and very helpful on phone. I booked Canada last year and they were first class from start to finish. Also went to Italy with them and already booked for next year Chicago to New Orleans. Keep up the good service and you'll always have my bookings and 5 star status .

Terry Hill  

Such enjoyable holidays

03-May-2022

I have been lucky enough to have travelled 13 times with Travelsphere with several more booked over the next 18 months. Every holiday has been fantastic with three main reasons. (1) The itineraries in many wonderful locations. (2) The excellent Tour Managers. (3) The fellow travellers who also enjoy such fantastic Touring holidays. Thoroughly recommend Travelsphere and cannot wait for our 14th holiday starting next week!

Keith Taylor (Google Reviewer)  

Travel company providing tours. We...

18-Aug-2023

Travel company providing tours. We did top to toe Italy in 2008 and are travelling with them again on a tour around Turkey in 2024.

Pauline Jones (Google Reviewer)  

Toured Analucia, or should I...

29-Sep-2023

Toured Analucia, or should I say visited. Too much travelling time, not enough seeing anything, great rep, hotel good but evening buffet hit and miss. Maybe a different company next time

Nicola Fallows (Google Reviewer)  

Nice but disappointing honeymoon trip...

19-Sep-2024

Nice but disappointing honeymoon trip to Italy. Wish that every element could have been perfect, but sadly it wasn't. Couldn't fault the tour guide Karina in Vico Equense, or the Country itself. There were some excellent tours organised (but a hell of a lot of walking involved, some days we covered 6 miles). Beware though if you have any special dietary requirements. We are both Vegan and spent the first week of our holiday having the meat and the fish elements of meals substituted with mostly cold tomatoes (or sometimes pumpkin / courgette / aubergine / melon?!). The hotel had no understanding of what other protein sources to use that didn't come from meat/fish. Knew we would have limited options but didn't realise just how much! Was left often hungry and having to shop for snacks in local supermarkets, or left bloated and in pain from having nothing much other than bread or pasta all day. The hotel food in general (in Vico Equense) was complained about by most of the travellers, not just by us. Food was slightly better at the next hotel in Ischia, but that Hotel wanted to charge everything as extras, even tea/coffee and water but also pool towels and swimming caps (which were mandatory). Also quite a few things were rearranged/changed at the last minute. No stop off at Amalfi, crossing to Ischia was changed, and timings for coming home were changed and barely notified to the group.

Julie Smith (Google Reviewer)  

I have been trying to...

08-Jan-2024

I have been trying to contact Travelsphere by email for several weeks now but not a single email ahs been answered. How can an enquiry go unanswered???

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Travelsphere allows you to make 4 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Travelsphere allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform travelsphere, 75 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Travelsphere requires a minimum deposit of 21% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travelsphere charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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